Tyler Bertuzzi understands and embraces what his primary focus will be with Matthews and Marner
When Tyler Bertuzzi signed in Toronto, it was, in part, for the opportunity to play with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Since the first day of camp, he's been slotted in on the top line left wing slot, previously occupied by Michael Bunting. Bertuzzi's mix of skill, grit, and willingness to dish out and take abuse in front of the net make him a great fit with on that top line. His game resembles that of Bunting, but with a little bit more snot behind it.
Thus far, the trio have only skated together in one pre-season game. Bertuzzi has already learned that when he's on the ice with Marner, he needs to be ready to receive the puck at any moment, and has already been impressed by Matthews' ability to roll off of contact and retain control of the puck. Matthews and Marner have both praised Bertuzzi's game, and Matthews says it's now down to building chemistry and getting a better feel for each other on the ice.
Speaking about his role on the top line, it seems like Bertuzzi plans on keeping things simple.
Essentially, Bertuzzi's goal will be causing enough havoc in front of the net to draw the attention of the opposing defense. That, paired with being ready to receive passes from Marner at any time, should be a winning formula on the ice. Giving Matthews and Marner a little more room is all they need. A split second extra window of time and space is all it takes for Matthews to get his lethal shot off, all it takes for Marner to find a man open and get the puck to them. If Bertuzzi can do his job well, the 60 goal and 100 point plateaus for Matthews and Marner respectively are almost guaranteed at this point.
